Columbia Fall Festival welcomes season on Oct. 28

MADISON – The Community Fall Festival at Columbia Elementary School on October 28 promises fun, entertainment and laughs to welcome autumn.

Sponsored by Columbia Elementary PTA, the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on campus at 667 Balch Road.

“This family-friendly event has free admission and is open to everyone in Madison and the surrounding areas,” publicity coordinator Amanda Parker said.

Food trucks will attend the festival and offer delicious concessions for a quick snack or a full lunch for Mom, Dad and the kids. The children can enjoy face painting, inflatable attractions and carnival-style games, including a dunk tank and water-balloon launchers. Many games will award prizes to the top contenders.

For anyone up to the challenge, a rock wall will give the youngsters some exercise, while toning their reflexes. The ever-popular game of Bingo will attract visitors to play and win prizes. Local businesses have donated a cache of merchandise for Columbia’s silent auction.

More than 40 vendors will sell arts and crafts, including plenty of seasonal decorations. Live music will entertain the crowd through the day.

Any interested in participating as a vendor can contact Melanie Rinne by emailing MembershipColumbiaPTA@gmail.com.

“We are also looking for volunteers. If you or your organization is looking to fulfill community service hours, please contact Kim Alexander by emailing VolunteersColumbiaPTA@gmail.com,” Parker said.

Festival visitors can park in front of the school. Additional overflow parking with a shuttle bus will be available at Madison Baptist Church just north of campus at 840 Balch Road. School leaders ask residents of communities surrounding Columbia elementary to walk to the festival, if possible.

For 2017-2018, Columbia PTA board members are President Patricia Batchelor, Vice President – Programs Davina Tompkins, Vice President – Ways and Means Stephenie Ramage, Vice President – Volunteers Kim Alexander, Membership Coordinator Jennifer Arent, Secretary Susan Meyer, Treasurer Shannon Schmidt and Publicity Coordinator Amanda Parker.

For more information, visit cespta.org or Facebook/Columbia Elementary School PTA.